TERM 2 WEEK 4 NEWSLETTER

Dear Parents and Carers,

Today, the NSW Premier announced that students across NSW will return to classrooms full time next week. This decision was made with the support of NSW Health and the Chief Health Officer, following the success of the phased return to face-to-face learning.

In line with the Premier’s announcement, all schools in Diocese of Wollongong will be returning to face to face teaching as from next week- Week 5. All parents and carers have been sent a note from the Director Mr Peter Hill and I, about this on COMPASS.

Most importantly for everyone, from next week, there will be one form of teaching only and that will be face to face teaching. There will be no more remote teaching as of Week 5. I thank all our parents and family members who have been supporting our students with their remote tasks. All our staff appreciate this support.

This week, the students will still continue to be at home, accessing their remote tasks as per the Phase 1 plan. Students will continue to come to school on their scheduled day only this week, unless they have parents who are essential workers.

 If you have any queries about this plan for return to school next week, can you please contact the school office. If your child needs to remain at home for medical reasons, please complete this form so that we can discuss with you, options to support your child’s wellbeing and continued growth in faith and learning during this time. Please note that any unexplained absences will be followed up as per standard procedures. 

The Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong and all its schools, will still continue with our COVID 19 Management plans. We are committed to making decisions in accordance with the advice of health authorities. Our rigorous hygiene, cleaning and social distancing measures will remain in place, to ensure our school continues to be “COVID-safe” in line with health directives from the Commonwealth and State Governments. 

ADDITIONAL ADVICE FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE UNWELL
The following information is advice from our Catholic Education Office and will be practice across all of our schools.

COVID-19 – Advice to families when a student is unwell at school
Given the presence of COVID-19 coupled with the commencement of the influenza (flu) season, we wanted to brief you on what to expect if your child presents unwell at school. The first symptoms of COVID-19 and flu are similar, in that they both can cause fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat and shortness of breath.

Throughout this period, we ask that you keep your child at home if they are unwell. In the event your child is unwell at school the normal processes apply: Your child will be cared for at school in the sick bay by a qualified first aid officer, while they await collection from an appropriate parent/guardian/carer.  

Schools have Personal Protective Equipment in order to support students and staff. The student will be provided with a medical mask to reduce the risk of transmitting droplets or respiratory fluids. The first aid officer who is assisting the student will also be wearing a medical mask and gloves. The student’s temperature will be taken using a non-contact thermometer to assess severity of presenting symptoms (note that regardless of the child’s temperature, all students who present unwell will be sent home). 

When the parent/guardian/carer of the student collects their child from school, a letter will be provided to them, which outlines the steps required for the student to be able to return to school. These steps include gaining a medical clearance certificate (where possible) and only returning to school once the student has fully recovered.  

We are advising you of these measures in advance so that you may discuss them with your child in the event this situation arises. 

We thank you for your support in keeping our school community safe. 

DROP OFF AND PICK UP ARRANGEMENTS FROM WEEK 5 – A reminder that there are to be no adults on the school playground.
No adults are allowed to be on the school site except via the school office. Please keep to one adult in the office foyer, as has been our practice for this term.

From next week, parents will be able to drop off and pick up their children at either the Arthur Street Gate or the Alice Street Gate. Parking is available in Arthur Street and Alice Street. If you are intending to pick up your child, please be mindful of social distancing amongst adults, especially when you are waiting at the gate. You will also need to tell your child which gate you are intending to pick them up from. It would be a good idea to drop them off at the gate you intend to pick them up from in the afternoon. Bus children and their supervising teachers will be the only people accessing the Alfred Street gate.

Below is an explanation of the gates and location guide.

ASSEMBLIES
All assemblies will remain online. The children will watch the assembly in their classroom on Friday and we will continue to post the assembly via our SMM site and St Michael’s Facebook page.

Any additional information that we may need to send you that relates to return to school, will be sent via a COMPASS message.

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
During this transition phase, it would be a great support if the students who were bringing their iPad to school in Stage 1 and Stage 2, could continue to do so. The teachers will be supporting the students with their online programs such as Maths Online and PM readers, so the opportunity for your child to use their own iPad will be very helpful at this point of return.

THANK YOU
Thank you for your support, during this challenging time for all members of our community. We have great hope, that the children will feel more settled in their own classroom, experiencing normal face to face teaching with their classmates. Please be assured that we are here to support your children and are looking forward to seeing everyone next week.

Have a lovely week,

Best wishes and God Bless,
Mrs Katrina West
Principal